ST. LOUIS (AP) - Missouri is battling a pest that could threaten potentially millions of trees in the state.

Seven emerald ash borers were found in July in traps at a recreation area in southeast Missouri's Wayne County.

The small, metallic green beetle is native to Asia. Its larvae burrow into the bark of ash trees, causing trees to starve and die.

The beetle was first found in Michigan in 2002, and has reached at least seven other states, killing millions of trees. Missouri is the farthest south and west of the known infestation.

In August, the state ordered a quarantine of ash wood, ash products and hardwood firewood from Wayne County.

Ash trees make up about 3 percent of Missouri's forests and as much as 14 percent of trees in cities and towns.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)